Can you imagine the roar of a Bleriot XI Le Scarabee soaring above Toronto in 1910? We are standing before the Trethewey Airfield Plaque. This unassuming plaque marks a significant spot in Toronto’s history. It commemorates the city’s first aerodrome. This small grassy field was the launching pad for Count Jacques de Lesseps. He made the first airplane flight over Toronto. His daring flight covered 20 miles in just 28 minutes.
The Trethewey Airfield wasn’t just about a single thrilling flight. It became a licensed airfield. Pilots landed here day and night. Mail was even delivered between Toronto Montreal and Detroit. The plaque tells a fascinating story. It showcases how this humble airfield transformed Toronto. The Ontario Motor League organized the first aviation show there. Thousands gathered to witness this exciting event.
More than just an aviation hub Trethewey Airfield later played a pivotal role in Canadian aviation history. In 1928 de Havilland Aircraft Company established its first Canadian assembly plant. This was a turning point for Canada’s aircraft manufacturing industry. The old vegetable storage warehouse temporarily housed the new assembly operation. It was not ideal but had double doors big enough to move the aircraft. Its proximity to the railway made shipping convenient.
In the 1930s the Royal Canadian Air Force No 10 Squadron called Trethewey Airfield home. This squadron evolved into the 400 Squadron. It is the oldest continuously serving squadron in the RCAF. The airfield’s legacy extended well beyond its operational years. Homes for returning World War II veterans were built on the land. This created a community tied to the airfield’s history.
Today there’s nothing left of the original airfield except for this plaque. It is a poignant reminder of a time when Toronto’s skies were filled with adventure. It marks a significant chapter in Canadian aviation. The Trethewey Airfield Plaque is not just a piece of metal. It represents a pivotal moment in Toronto’s past. It symbolizes courage innovation and the pioneering spirit of early aviation. Remember the legacy of those who dared to take flight. Remember the Trethewey Airfield.